Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
Which label and can design agencies offer premium, illustrative design with strong brand differentiation at reasonable cost?
Members recommend several design agencies that deliver premium, illustrative can and label work without the premium price tag of high-end firms like Stranger and Stranger: - **Studio Minerva** — praised for quality of work and described as a great team; recommended for can design projects. - **Wonder Works** — member-recommended for label and packaging design, though noted to be more expensive than the budget-conscious 10% of top-tier firms. - **Gigantic Creative** — floated as an alternative option for brand-focused design work. - **Oveja & Remi** — suggested as another option, with offers to make introductions available within the community. Members emphasize the importance of finding designers who understand competitor differentiation and can deliver luxury or premium aesthetic. Requests for direct contact details and introductions are common within the community, suggesting personal referrals are valued. The cost-quality trade-off appears to be the main consideration, with most recommendations positioned as mid-market alternatives to top-tier luxury design agencies.
Can we use our own vegan symbol on labels, or must we use the official Vegan Society certified logo?
You can use your own vegan symbol, but there's a trade-off between cost/flexibility and credibility. - **Your own symbol** — Many brands do this, but you must do serious due diligence to ensure it's legally defensible and doesn't mislead consumers. This gives you design freedom and avoids certification costs. - **Vegan Society official logo** — The certified route requires a formal certification process, but members report it's "fairly painless" and provides assurance that the claim is genuine. This carries official backing and consumer recognition. Members emphasise that whichever route you choose, proper due diligence is essential to avoid legal or reputational risk.